Tips for Dehydrating Outside | Stop Clumping in Powders | Dehydrate Shallots | Food Storage

Dehydrating Shallots is super easy and fast, but for many needs to be outdoors. I share some tips on dehydrating outside, how to deal with clumping powders, and more
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TIMESTAMPS

[@luhall6092]

A tip for the mesh with the hole in the center: Use a jar funnel over your jar, place the whole tray over top of it, then brush the dried food into the funnel. Works like a charm. I use a silicone brush to get any bits stuck in the mesh.

[@mikey6071]

That's a great idea!

[@susansailors1716]

I like getting frozen foods and putting them in the dehydrator. Easy peazy

[@COWELLGIRL]

I did some sliced mushrooms in the dehydrator and they turned out beautiful. I'm so proud of them !

[@mikimayagain]

I did several rounds of mushrooms and powdered them and now I can use that with a white sauce in the place of the can of cream of mushroom soup in my green bean casserole as well as other casseroles. I am so happy!

[@gat-landing973]

I loved my dehydrated mushrooms, they were so rewarding as a dehydrated item, so nice and crisp.

[@nicholahartwell5868]

Place a wet dish cloth next to your chopping board, close to the onions… the enzymes in onion are attracted to moisture, so it will help absorb the enzymes in the air, and stay away from your eyes!! I chop a lot of onions, and it works perfectly!!

[@whiskeywomanwhisks]

I got a 50lb bag of shallots in food CoOp about 5 months ago -they last a long time-I’ve worked my way thru them but still have a bunch-sprouting now-& they’ve been in my hot garage😱. Love shallots-a little more difficult to peel tho🤪 esp the smaller ones. I shared some but I guess many people aren’t as familiar with shallots🤷‍♀️but seriously they are so delicious!

[@dawn8685]

I like labeling with painters tape because it peels off so easily and doesn’t leave glue on the jar.

[@hollish196]

great idea!

[@mommacrow3170]

Nice thanks

[@karenz7059]

I live in an apartment so I found a little hack to help with the smell of onions invading the place. I placed them at my open balcony door and had a fan blowing to the outside.

[@shellyodonnell7924]

I like to use a combination of sweet onions, shallots, and leeks. It gives a nice depth of flavor.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sounds great!

[@jeanettecusic9430]

I have around screened dehydrator and use a glass to cover the center hole while loading. Works great.

[@debwoods6011]

Shoot I dry outside in Texas heat all the time. Drying time is massively cut down. But, definitely onions, garlic, brussel sprouts which have strong odors.

[@whiskeywomanwhisks]

Same here in GA

[@user-xp5df5yt7j]

Good day. On drying carrots, I agree that blanching is a useful option. Do chopped onions need blanching? In the video about drying carrots, it says that blanching improves drying, so I decided to ask.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Do not need to be blanched, but can be blanched to help cut down on the smell.

[@sylviahufer7019]

I live on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria , Australia we call them shallots as well .

[@celesteautokier]

Onion tip. I first light an unscented candle next to where I am cutting onions. Helps with watering eyes. I use the long white tapestry candles 🕯. I think that’s what they are called. Great video.

[@dawncramer2131]

You have such great tips … I love your videos… thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you like them!

[@whispergirl77]

I have learned so much from you. Thank you for showing us what to do and for teaching us things that save us so much waste and trouble. I appreciate you so much!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm so glad!

[@SuperWhatapain]

Brilliance again! 💜

[@brendacosby2186]

Love your powder storage jars.

[@sallyeblen7032]

You are very detailed,love it! Thanks

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbarac4750]

I'm cutting my onions and putting them in a bowl and run the potato masher through them. There's much less to break up that way.

[@BinfordMJ]

Just what I was looking for! I had to harvest my onions because of the nonstop rain, and the tops never did fall over because of this. So, they will not store as long as they should, But I don't want to lose them so this is the ticket! Thanks so much for this and the caramelized onion recipe also.

[@puddintang8034]

Thank you for sharing the tips. 🇺🇸🙏🏼✝️

[@wwjd4u]

Finding those shallots on clearance was a score!!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's getting harder and harder to find clearance produce now. Our local store just renovated, and I think they got rid of the clearance produce section for bulk produce - just the stuff that is prepackaged.

[@gailreese4699]

Darcey I went to the craft store several years ago to get my mesh screens and dummie me I cut all of the holes out . Now that I see how you done yours, I made new ones. Love it.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That mesh isn't considered food-grade, just as an FYI - the company has said that it isn't. But yeah - it works.

[@gailreese4699]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Are you saying that the one I use is not safe ? I didn't understand your reply. Is the one you bought from amazon is safe . If so I will buy them.

[@marygallagher3428]

Great information!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you think so!

[@Gogrannygo55]

Thank you Darcy!!! Great video!!!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Any time!

[@KoniB.]

arrowroot powder. mhmhm. good tip. thanks.

[@gramig0]

Great video!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@helenabudrow8648]

Hello and thank you

[@prisca5053]

Gostei, irei tentar. Obrigada por passar os segredos como tempo, armazenamento.

[@marthaadams4393]

I have been concerned about using my dehydrator on my enclosed back porch due to heat. Sounds like a good idea to perhaps do things at night. I really have no other place to put it that is clean from dust. Have very high winds where I am in the mtns. Thanks for your tips.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Why worry about the heat? Heat won't affect it - as long as it isn't in direct sunlight and it's not incredibly cold - you're fine.

[@marthaadams4393]

@@ThePurposefulPantry TY, that helps

[@tonyarueff3230]

Thanks for sharing the information. I grew an abundance of onions this year and will be dehydrating some of them. What alternatives work best for making powders?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm not really sure what you mean by alternatives? do you mean in a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, a large blender?

[@tonyarueff3230]

@@ThePurposefulPantry meaning I don't have a ninja. I hsve a kitchen aid food processor. Will that grind it up well enough or do I need something else?

[@debradalton210]

Darcy love your show I bought my Cosori 3 years ago and you are life saver. Now I want to dehydrate cabbage. But….. I’m not sure. Any thoughts? L

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ2xgKSah72hqLM

[@Memetena1]

QUESTION: Can you dry fruits and vegetables at a lower temperature than recommended so they do not discolor so badly? I know it would take a along time for them to dehydrate but that doesn't matter to me. Thanks for you help.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes

[@lilydot5390]

Hi Darcy 👋. I found your channel today when I was looking for dehydrator basics. Of course, I subscribed! I watched a few of your videos. The what I wish I knew before I started, and 10 basic firsts. I have a garden with a few herbs that will just go bad unless I store them properly. Dehydrator was delivered today, and I'm so excited to get started! Drying the basil first and hung the parsley. Thank you for the tip about conditioning. I will definitely keep shaking and checking for 5-6 days, because I want to check dryness instead of wasting the food/time and electricity. The basil started turning somewhat brown, so I lowered the temp. Any suggestions?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Don't put them in wet, lower them temp to 95°F . Welcome!

[@denagarcia6628]

You have picked the right lady to learn from!

[@debehmann8791]

The sounds is similar to taking dry leaves in the fall.

[@kathleensecor4373]

I love your videos. I 'm trying to learn how to dehydrate food. My friend gave me a Sweda Food.Dehydrator. But theres no on or off switch or a temperature gage. Looks like you just plug it in. Can I use this. Thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes. The temperature setting is anywhere from 145F to 160F (60-70C) which will be too hot for herbs, and some delicate fruits (turn brown easily from the sugars over browning), but you can definitely use it.

[@kathleensecor4373]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thank you. I'm trying to find a manual on line. But watching your videos is inspiring. God bless

[@madelinehall8944]

Hi Darcy. Do you ever dehydrate sproted beans or lentils?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't, but it's easy enough to do. Same as with anything else you're drying - keep it below 115F to keep all the nutrient benefits of having done the sprouting in the first place - it takes longer to dry.

[@madelinehall8944]

Thank you so much. Blessings. I ordered the kit.

[@etheldaher6234]

I wish I could find some shallots at a decent price!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - this was definitely a bonus.

[@omanita7289]

I don't know if it is oke to put a bit rice in the jars for the moisture. We do that in salt jars. 🥴 Did union yesterday, all dark brown. First-time in my new cosori 5 trays round. The temperature i started 52 C and later 35 C. Must tell they came out the freezer. Started outside, later because I was sleepy inside 35 C . Next time I start fresh unions. Tonight or tomorrow morning the garlic 🧄 Today is a wonderful sunny day in The Netherlands South 🌞 have a blessed day

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Rice is fine to break up clumps, but it doesn't do much for moisture issues. Onions can get brown because they have naturally occurring sugars that can brown in drying, and lowering your temperature is good!

[@dawn8685]

Watched video on keeping powder from clumping. Could you clarify - if putting tomato powder in electric oven, at what temperature do you set oven? Thanks

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Turn to 170F to warm then turn it off.

[@prisca5053]

Poderia falar sobre a comida que tem que ser cozida antes de desidratar? E quais são?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

www.thepurposefulpantry.com/how-to-blanch-vegetables-for-dehydrating/

[@sandraburke1590]

I thought Shallots would need to be blanched, lot easier if you don’t have to. Thank you for another great video

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for watching!

[@kellymika4208]

Hi me again. Can you recommend a google vacuum sealer for food?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Foodsaver's mid range or higher, Cabelas, Nesco, LEM, Mueller.

[@Flamingoer55]

What kind of mesh did you use and where did you get it, please?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

www.amazon.com/shop/thepurposefulpantry/list/3Q3VGB73HUTJ2

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

I'm just finishing watching this video but I was wondering about keeping powders dry I've seen people put in a few grains of salt or a piece of pasta to keep them dry. What do you think?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Those don't keep them dry. They will absorb a tiny amount, but they are there more as an agitator than anything. Dry well, condition the powder, and use moisture absorbers in airtight containers - it's the optimal way to do it. But sure - use rice if you'd like.

[@EGGstravagantkitchen]

I have a Nesco I bought about twenty yrs ago in QVC b there is now way to adjust the temperature. Any suggestions on what I can use it for and what I shouldn’t use it for. Never had success with it but only tried once. So then I was just uninspired.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can use it on fruit and veg - and unless you test it to make sure it gets hot enough - jerky. But I wouldn't do herbs in it as many will lose their flavor being dried too hot.

[@EGGstravagantkitchen]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you. I ordered a new one. The professional one that you can adjust temperatures. It will be here next week. Hoping the trays wi be interchangeable.

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@EGGstravagantkitchen , how exiting! Happy dehydrating ☺️

[@bc24roxy4]

Hi, i just saw someone on yt that purchased an outdoor hanging mesh dehydrator. What are your thoughts on that?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I can't use it because of the humidity where I live.

[@bc24roxy4]

@@ThePurposefulPantry So it is safe to use even though the temp will be low. Thanks

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@bc24roxy4 I have one. I think it would be great for drying herbs. But right now we have rain, rain, rain.

[@bc24roxy4]

@@DutchAlaskagirl Looks like it would be something really good have here in CA it is hot and dry most of the summer and we are looking at rolling power outages more than usually this year. So you would use just for herbs ?Thank you!!

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@bc24roxy4 yes, for us. I’m in Alaska 😆

[@denisefaust6408]

Can we compost onions? I thought worms didn’t like them so I haven’t composted them. 🤔

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I always have Worms aren't the only source of food breakdown ;)

[@mrymidgley]

Shallots or at my grocery store so expensive I wish I could find them in bags like that

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I've never seen them on clearance before, either - that's why I grabbed them all!

[@terrisouthernplainsprepper5927]

I dry onion in the garage.

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

Darcey...HELP!!!! Lol...ok ive been dehydrating lots of different things. Im finding that somethings dont seem to ever completely dry...like my New mex chilis and carrots. I finally just threw the carrots out. 🤦🏽‍♀️...what am i doing wrong. The carrots were frozen and i cut them thinner

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You just aren't giving them enough time. Patience.

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

@@ThePurposefulPantry so just keep going in the machine. I did 3 days for 12 hours each and still not enough it seemed

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@theonewhomjesusloves7360 I never turn mine off at night. I either let it run at the same temperature it’s been running on, or I turn it down to 95F. Then I check in the morning, and if it’s not dry I turn it back up. If you only run it for 12 hours during the day and turn it off during the night the food will start to reabsorb moisture

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

@@DutchAlaskagirl ive done 3 days for 12 hrs each and they wont get to the crumbling stage they just bend

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@theonewhomjesusloves7360 but when you say 12 hours - what about the other hours?

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

I still have not tried powdering the caramelized onions I had dehydrated. Because they never reached the crispy state I’m afraid it’s going to gum up my spice grinder

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sorry so late in replies - clearing out my YT comments and found this. They never get quite crispy like dried onions because the sugars have developed so well - but they do powder.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I'm rewriting a comment on this video (sorry for hitting the wrong button👎 instead of 👍: new eye glasses needed). Great tips here!

[@grlnexdoorable]

How many shallots did you start out with by weight?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't know. I don't go by weight.

[@grlnexdoorable]

@@ThePurposefulPantry you probably mention this and I did not hear it. Could you tell me how much you used by volume or how many shallots, Etc? I'm trying to compare how much you started out with to how you ended up. Thank you in advance

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@grlnexdoorable Darcy gave a general rule before 1 cup fresh = 1/4 cup dried = 1 tbsp powder

[@grlnexdoorable]

@@DutchAlaskagirl thank you. I listened to the video more than once (while doing something else) but I missed it.

[@DutchAlaskagirl]

@@grlnexdoorable it was on a different video

[@donnapilant2542]

How can I dehydrate without a dehydrator?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Use an oven (not cost effective). Use an air fryer if you have one (not space effective), dry between screens outdoors and then freeze for a few days before storing (pasteurizing). This isn't effective for humid areas and the screen needs to be very small to keep bugs out.

[@donnapilant2542]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I live in a small town with a small house and little to no space. I do not use my oven in the summer cause it heats up my house so bad. I have an air fryer but it has limited cook time. I'm struggling to preserve food. I have a tun of ment growing wild. I also have grown tomato's. I wish I had room for more.

[@leonieduplessis4467]

in new zealand we call it Shallots